ADHS: Schools seeing uptick in students with flu-like symptoms

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, some schools are seeing an increase in illnesses with flu-like symptoms. However, according to the state's weekly influenza summary, the overall number of sick students is still relatively low.

Dr. Don Bucklin is a healthcare provider at U.S. Health Works in Phoenix. He said the increase serves as a good reminder to go ahead and get your flu shot.

"The flu is nothing to mess with. You're talking 103, 104 fever. You're often hallucinating. Your body feels like someone has beat it with a baseball bat," said Dr. Bucklin.

The Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed 13 cases of influenza in five counties. All but two were reported last week.

Although the peak of flu season is still a good six weeks away, experts say the earlier you get your shot, the better.

"When there is a lot of flu around, it's almost too late to get vaccinated. You are going to have two weeks for the shot to kick in before you are bulletproof," said Bucklin.

If you're apprehensive because of the needle, you shouldn't be.

"It is so tiny. You're talking about the size of a human hair. So people barely feel it. We're just starting to get an intradermal vaccine that is just barely under the skin which hurts very little," said Bucklin.

Many physicians also offer a flu mist that is inhaled.

So far, doctors have reported seeing several different strains of influenza, including one case of the H1N1 virus.